​Empowering Health: Harnessing Nature and Urban Spaces

Abstract: 

As our population ages, the intersection of health and the built environment becomes increasingly vital. This breakout track explores how we can harness nature and urban spaces to promote health, well-being and active living. Through diverse perspectives—from academic insights and macro-level strategies to practitioner experiences and patient needs—we will examine how various aspects of the built environment can empower individuals and communities to lead healthier lives.

Speakers will highlight innovative approaches, including green infrastructure, centre-based designs and community-driven interventions that enhance physical and mental well-being. Discussions will also uncover opportunities for cross-sector collaboration to create sustainable, health-supportive spaces. Participants will be invited to explore new partnerships and co-develop initiatives that bridge physical design, healthcare and community engagement.  Join us in reimagining how our surroundings can be catalysts for health, empowerment and active living.

Track Chairs

Adj A/Prof Eugene Shum
Director, Community Partnership
SingHealth Office of Regional Health

A/Prof Eugene Shum is a distinguished leader in community healthcare, dedicated to bridging health and social care services. His innovative work has resulted in several groundbreaking initiatives, including:

• The Neighbours for Active Living programme, recipient of the Ministry of Health National Clinical Excellence Team Award 2024

• CareLine, a nationwide 24/7 telecare service, recognised with the National Clinical Excellence Team Award 2022

• The Pelatok Art Farm project, showcasing his commitment to urban health and environmental design

His career spans significant leadership roles, including Chief Corporate Development Officer at Eastern Health Alliance, Director of Medical Affairs and Innovation at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital and various positions within Ministry of Health.

As a preventive medicine physician, A/Prof Shum holds an MBBS from the National University of Singapore and a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University's Bloomberg School of Public Health. He currently serves as Adjunct Associate Professor at both the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and the Singapore University of Technology and Design.

In recognition of his contributions to public service, A/Prof Shum was awarded the Public Service Medal (Pingat Bakti Masyarakat) in 2020.

Ms Marian Tan
Senior Occupational Therapist
SengKang General Hospital 

With 15 years of specialisation in neurorehabilitation, Marian Tan has built a distinguished career helping individuals with neurological conditions achieve independence and successful workplace reintegration.  As the former Manager of Integrated Services at ABLE (Abilities Beyond Limitations & Expectations), she led multidisciplinary healthcare teams while maintaining her commitment to education as a clinical educator at Singapore Institute of Technology. She is a registered therapist with the Allied Health Professionals Council.

Her dedication to advancing rehabilitation practices is demonstrated through:

• Leadership in telerehabilitation research

• Development of innovative rehabilitative equipment

• International experience representing Singapore at Thailand's Industrial Rehabilitation Centre

• Professional certification from the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine

Throughout her tenure at SGH and ABLE, Marian has consistently championed patient empowerment and comprehensive care approaches, making significant contributions to rehabilitation practices in Singapore.

Presenters

Mr Samuel Chng
Research Assistant Professor
Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities, Singapore University of Technology and Design

Dr Samuel Chng is Research Assistant Professor at the Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities (LKYCIC) at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). He concurrently heads the Urban Psychology Lab and the DezignZ Positive City Lab. Samuel studies how people move, adapt and navigate change in cities. As an applied social and environmental psychologist, his research has informed policies and interventions related to the transition to sustainable mobility, climate resilience and well-being in cities. He is a firm believer in translating academic research and capacity building and actively collaborates with partners in government, industry, the labour movement and media in this endeavour.

Presentation Title: From Spaces to Places: Strengthening Communities by Rethinking Our Built Environment

The spaces we live, work, and move through shape our health, well-being, and social connections. But what if we designed them to actively build stronger communities, improve health outcomes, and promote climate resilience? This talk explores how urban psychology and behavioral science can help create environments that foster social capital, activate communities, and support sustainable, healthier living. From public spaces that encourage interaction to walkable neighborhoods that enhance physical and mental well-being, we'll examine how the built environment can be a powerful force for connection, care, and long-term resilience in the face of social and environmental challenges.

Mr Maxel Ng
Deputy Director, Therapeutic Horticulture
National Parks Board

Maxel is certified in Horticultural Therapy from US and in Therapeutic Horticulture from UK and Singapore. An Arborist, he is also a certified practising horticulturist. He co-authored Singapore’s first medical research in horticultural therapy and Design Guidelines for Therapeutic Gardens in Singapore. In addition, he has provided guidance on therapeutic horticulture programmes and therapeutic garden designs for various demographics in Singapore. He also delivers lectures on horticultural therapy and therapeutic gardens, both locally and internationally, including in the UK, Canada and Japan.

Presentation Title: Leveraging Green Spaces for Health: A Practical Guide for Community Partners

The presentation highlights NParks' role in promoting health through its network of therapeutic gardens and therapeutic horticulture programme under City in Nature vision. Drawing from NParks' therapeutic horticulture knowledge and evidence-based research, it introduces healthcare professionals to Singapore's therapeutic gardens - specially designed spaces that support health programming. The session provides practical guidance on utilizing both therapeutic gardens and neighbourhood green spaces for health activities and programming ideas for various abilities. Healthcare partners will also learn about available resources from NParks to incorporate nature-based activities into their care delivery.

Mr Samuel Ng, BBM
Founder | CEO
Montfort Care

Samuel Ng has over 30 years of experience in Singapore's social service sector. He established the Marine Parade Family Service Centre in 2000, which has since grown into Montfort Care, offering a wide range of services including family service centres, a child protection specialist centre, a community kitchen, home care and the National Anti-Violence and Sexual Harassment Helpline (NAVH).

Samuel has held key roles such as District Councillor at the South East Community Development Council and serve as Advisory Panel Member of the Singapore University of Social Sciences. His contributions have been recognised with the Outstanding Social Worker Award and the Public Service Star.  He was also named a Trailblazer by the Ministry of Social and Family Development in 2023. Samuel's book, Can I Hold You A While Longer? reflects his advocacy for caregiver support, as he continues to showcase his leadership and dedication to the community.

Assoc Prof Shamala Thilarajah
Senior Principal Physiotherapist, Singapore General Hospital
Associate Professor, Health & Social Sciences Cluster
Singapore Institute of Technology

A/Prof Shamala Thilarajah is a physiotherapist, researcher, educator, and advocate with over 20 years of experience in neurological rehabilitation. She is the immediate Past President of the Singapore National Stroke Association (SNSA), where she has been instrumental in shaping life after stroke efforts and advocacy for stroke survivors.

A/Prof Shamala's work focuses on bridging hospital-to-home transitions, empowering individuals to reclaim autonomy and purpose through integrated, community-based care. Her research and practice emphasise co-design with stroke survivors, families and community providers to build environments—both social and physical—that enable participation and reintegration. She has contributed to national efforts on community rehabilitation transformation, championing scalable models that align clinical pathways with grassroots support systems. She brings a unique perspective that blends academic insight, clinical expertise and community engagement to reshape how recovery is experienced in real life.

Presentation Title: Recovery Beyond Walls: Activating Everyday Spaces for Stroke Survivors

What happens after discharge is just as critical as what happens in hospital. This session explores how the Built Environment—community centres, parks, HDB void decks and other everyday spaces—can become powerful enablers of recovery for stroke survivors. Drawing on initiatives from the Singapore National Stroke Association (SNSA), we'll uncover how peer-led programs, accessible physical activity and social reintegration efforts are reshaping post-stroke rehabilitation.

Ms Vanessa Kwek
Principal Occupational Therapist
Abilities Beyond Limitations and Expectations (ABLE)

Ms Perle Dragon
Return-To-Work Manager
Abilities Beyond Limitations and Expectations (ABLE)

Vanessa Kwek is a Principal Occupational Therapist with 15 years of clinical working experience. She completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy at La Trobe University, Melbourne in 2010 and went on to obtain a MSc with Distinction in Behavioural Decision Science from Kingston University, London in 2019. Her areas of interest include health-related decision-making processes and the influence of different risk appraisals on advice compliance. She is currently practicing as an Occupational Therapist and serving as the Head of Rehabilitation Services at Abilities Beyond Limitations and Expectations (ABLE) - a social service agency which serves to help people with acquired physical disabilities achieve their community reintegration and return-to-work goals.

Perle Dragon is a passionate people developer who believes that everyone has the potential
to grow and achieve their highest potential. An Arts graduate from the National University of Singapore, Perle went onto pursue a Diploma in Human Resource Development and a Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management, both from the Singapore Institute of Management. She has also attained the Advanced Certificate in Training and Development (ACTA), and is a certified Strengths Coach (by Gallup) and a Franklin Covey facilitator.

In her current role as a Return-to-Work Manager at ABLE, she partners inclusive employers to create employment opportunities for People with Acquired Disabilities. She leverages her strong foundation in people development to support and prepare PWDs to gain the confidence and skills to return to the workforce. 

Presentation Title: Building an Inclusive Environment - Beyond Ramps and Lifts

Everyone knows what an inclusive environment should include, at least in terms of access to its physical spaces. While this is especially important for persons with disabilities (PWDs), another question might be – to do...what exactly?

Without knowing the "why" and "what" behind the need to access these spaces, it would be difficult to imagine what more is needed to expand such efforts. In this sharing, ABLE will share its experience in helping PWDs access and meaningfully participate in a community. Discover what else needs to go into building environments which are truly inclusive.